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The molecules 3,8-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (L1), 3,8-di(naphthalen-1-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (L2), 3,8-di(naphthalen-2-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (L3), 3,8-di(anthracen-9-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (L4), and 3,8-di(pyren-1-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (L5) were prepared in good yield from the reaction of 3,8-dibromo-1,10-phenanthroline with the corresponding boronic acid, catalysed by [Pd(PPh₃)₄]. Computational DFT modelling suggests that the aromatic substituent arms are not coplanar with the central phenanthroline (phen) core, and that the HOMO-LUMO gap diminishes as the number of fused carbon rings in the arms increases. Cyclic voltammograms for the ligands show between one and two oxidation and one to three reduction waves, which are believed to be centred on the arms and the central phen fragments, respectively, suggesting some small electronic mixing. The absorption and emission properties depend on the electronic interaction between the polyaromatic substituents and the phenanthroline core. Different emissive ππ* excited states for the molecules bearing anthryl and pyrenyl substituents suggest they have more charge transfer character, and a consequent sensitivity to the increase of solvent polarity. The photosensitizing capacity of singlet oxygen generation upon excitation of L1-L5 in solution is consistent with a significant evolution of the former singlet excited state towards a triplet excited state.

This study synthesized newly designed 1,2,3-triazoles substituted with aryl groups via Sharpless' copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition. The resulting compounds were extensively characterized using NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Furthermore, theoretical DFT and time-dependent DFT calculations were performed to analyze the structural and electronic properties of these molecules. Computational analysis revealed insights into the electron distribution within these molecules, with the electron-withdrawing or electron-donating nature of the substituents affecting the HOMO-LUMO gap. These findings provide valuable information for tailoring the electronic properties of triazole-containing compounds, making them suitable for various chemical applications and potential coordination with metalloporphyrins.    

Quinolines are heterocyclic compounds with significant therapeutic potential, initially recognized for their role in treating malaria. Their structural versatility has led to the development of derivatives used in the treatment of various diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Found primarily in plants of the Rutaceae and Rubiaceae families, quinoline derivatives target key enzymes and receptors in the central nervous system. Recent advances focus on enhancing their pharmacokinetic properties to improve efficacy and selectivity in treating neurodegenerative disorders.  

Benthamiella (Solanaceae) is an unstudied endemic genus of the Chilean-Argentinean Patagonia that thrives in harsh climatic and geographic conditions. This study provides a biochemical description of the aerial parts, roots, and polysaccharides of B. azorella, and evaluates their antioxidant, antiproliferative and antibacterial activity. GC-MSanalysis of B. azorella roots polysaccharides identified significant amounts of arabinose, glucose and galacturonic acid. The FT-IR spectrum revealed a diverse range of functional groups. Both analyses suggest a complex polysaccharide structure that may enhance the sample’s functional properties. Elemental analysis showed low nitrogenand sulfur content, while proximate analysis showed significant differences in carbohydrates, lipids, fiber, and ash content between the plant parts. Polyphenols quantification determined a higher concentration in the roots (6.66 ± 0.62 mg GAE g-1 DW) compared to the aerial parts. Likewise, the highest antioxidant capacity was observed in theroots using the DPPH (89.43 ± 0.74 µmol AAE g-1 DW at 1818 µg mL-1) method. The aqueous root extract exhibited higher activity against colon cancer HCT-116 followedby aerial parts. Polysaccharides showed slight activity against hepatocytes cancer HepG2. The extracts behaved variably on the healthy keratinocytes HACAT cell line, tending to promote cell proliferation. Both, aqueous and ethanolic B. azorella solutions were non-toxic, did not show quorum quenching and antibacterial activity against human and fish bacterial strains at the tested concentrations. Finally, 21 metabolites, principally hydroxycoumarins, sapogenins and steroids derivatives were tentatively identified in themost active extract using LC-MS analysis. Further assays of B. azorella roots with cancer and healthy cells lines and new bacterial analysis at higher concentrations are recommended.  

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent drug for cancer treatment but presents limitations for encapsulation and prolonged release. Nanoparticles (NPs) are an alternative to mitigate these issues; nevertheless synthetic methods are often complex and inefficient. This study focus in the development of DNA-based NPs, using DNA as unique excipient allowing ionic and aromatic interactions with DOX. Methods: The NPs formation consists in the mixture of DNA and DOX in water (aromatic and non-aromatic polyelectrolytes were used as positive and negative controls, respectively). UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to corroborate the DOX/DNA interactions and to elucidate the mode of binding. Turbidimetry, dynamic light scattering, laser Doppler anemometry, nanoparticle tracking analyses, ultrafiltration, and scanning transmission electron microcopy were used to characterize the efficiency of the process and the morphology of DOX/DNA NPs. In vitro release, viability in non-cancerous cells and stability tests were conducted to assess the release profile and safety of the NPs. Results: DOX associates with DNA through ionic and aromatic interactions forming spherical NPs (115-220 nm, polidispersity 0.3-0.5, ~-27 mV, 8-13x1011 NPs/mL) with DOX association efficiency of 66-80% and loading in the range of 40-60%. DOX/DNA NPs exhibited prolonged release (55% in 12 days), stability at storage (at least 8 weeks) and does not provide toxicity in non-cancerous cells. Conclusions: We provide a simple strategy to entrap and release DOX in the form of NPs in DNA based platforms. This strategy could be used for other aromatic anticancer drug and selecting DNA sequences able to support anticancer activity.    

Arbutus unedo L., commonly known as the Strawberry tree, is gaining increasing interest due to its traditional, industrial, and medicinal applications. This study evaluates the in vitro and in silico biological activities of the ethanolic extract of A. unedo fruit, namely its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. HPLC analysis was carried out for the determination of the main components of the extract. Antioxidant activity was assessed via DPPH radical scavenging method, ABTS, metal chelation and β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assays while the antiinflammatory activity was done via the inhibition of albumin denaturation method. The in vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated by the disk diffusion method against four ATTC strains. Molecular docking was performed using Autodock Vina PyRx docking techniques against ten bacterial protein targets. HPLC analysis identified 11 compounds whose majority components are: chlorogenic acid (22.66µg/mL) and gallic acid (15.43µg/mL). The extract exhibited strong antioxidant potential, with IC50 values of 0.1 ± 0.007 mg/mL for DPPH, 0.021 ± 0.02 mg/mL for ABTS, and 0.011 ± 0.006 mg/mL for iron chelation. The β-carotene/linoleic acid test showed inhibition rates ranging from 35.43% ± 0.03 to 89.42% ± 0.05. Additionally, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity revealed an inhibitory effect of 92.97% compared to aspirin (97.40%) at 20 µg/mL. Naringenin, ellagic acid and chlorogenic acid are the best antibacterial candidates with binding energies of less than -8 kcal/mol and more bacterial targets bound. Ferulic acid, methyl gallate, caffeic acid, synergistic acid, and coumaric acid are the safest and pharmacokinetically favorable, while gallic acid, naringenin, and chlorogenic acid have limitations as toxicity or poor absorption. These findings support the traditional medicinal use of A. unedo and highlight its potential as a natural bioactive source.  

The present work reports the chemical and functional profile of Chiloe’s giant garlic. Applying AOAC's official methods the proximal content of giant garlic was determined finding a moisture content of 62.34±0.35%, carbohydrates 20.64±0.01%, protein 2.80±0.10%, fat (crude) 0.09±0.00%, ash 0.74±0.02%, and fiber (crude) 13.04±0.01%. Three saccharides [sucrose (5.92±0.02 mg g-1), glucose (0.11±0.00 mg g-1) and fructose (0.46±0.01 mg g-1)], four fatty acids [linoleic acid (57.67±0.00%), palmitic acid (23.46±0.00%), oleic acid (7.20±0.00%), and ⍺-linolenic acid (5.06±0.00%)], and three sulfoxide compounds [alliin (2.66±0.90 mg g-1), methiin (9.61±0.33 mg g-1) and isoalliin (5.02±1.24 mg g-1)] were determined by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), gas chromatography (GC) and HPTLC/mass spectrometry (MS), respectively. Functional profile characterization showed an Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) value of 0.250±0.001 mmol TE per 100 g-1 and a total (poly)phenols content (TPC) of 40.66±2.08 mg EAG 100 g-1. (Poly)phenols profile analyzed by liquid chromatography (LC)/MS showed only the presence of caffeic acid (0.57±0.05 μg g-1) and rutin (at traces level). Bioactive molecules with antioxidant (DPPH) and COX-2 inhibition activities were identified through HPTLC (bio)autography and MS analysis, finding the presence of tryptophan (antioxidant) and γ-glutamyl-S-allyl-L-cysteine (GSAC), γ-glutamyl-S-(trans-1-propenyl)-L- cysteine (GSPC), alliin and isoalliin with antioxidant and COX-2 inhibitory activity.  

Hyperglycemia is considered a modifiable risk factor that worsens the prognosis of acute myocardial infarction. Accurate glucose measurement is crucial for assessing hyperglycemia in patients who have died from infarction. Since postmortem blood glucose levels are unreliable due to metabolic changes, vitreous humor (VH) provides a reliable alternative for glucose analysis. In this study, a simple and rapid liquid chromatographic method with evaporative light scattering detection (LC-ELSD) was developed and validated for glucose quantification in VH, including a stability study. The method was developed using a Diol column with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile (23:77 v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min, achieving a glucose retention time of 8.3 minutes. The column temperature was maintained at 40°C, while the ELSD evaporation temperature was set at 45°C. Validation was performed according to FDA guidelines. Calibration curves demonstrated linearity over a range of 15–300 mg/dL with R² > 0.99. Intraday and interday precision and accuracy were within ±15% of nominal values, except at the LLOQ, where they were within ±20%. The extraction recoveries ranged from 97.82 to 102.66%. The method exhibited high selectivity and specificity, with no interference from endogenous compounds or co-administered drugs. Stability studies confirmed that glucose remained stable in VH for up to 72 hours at -20°C, +4°C, and room temperature. The results demonstrate that the proposed method offers a reliable and efficient approach for glucose determination in VH suitable for forensic applications, eliminating the need for derivatization.

The synthesis and characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is reported at 0°C and room temperature, with 1–octadecanol, zinc acetate and lithium hydroxide. The ZnO structural and electronic nature was confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy, powder X-Ray Diffraction and UV-Vis absorption. NPs exhibited diameters within 8 – 13 nm and ellipsoidal morphology. The synergism between the ZnO NPs on the luminescent response of a Cu(I) complex in solid-state by stacking layers on a glass substrate was evaluated. Main results show that the complex increases emission response by 2.45 compared to the absence of the ZnO NPs layer. This behaviour could be interpreted by a possible energy transfer due to the interaction between the optical band gap of ZnO NPs semiconductor with the emitting Cu(I) complex. Despite the observed behavior appears as preliminary results (a systematic study of each coating layers must be clarified), the observed luminescent response on the coated glass was consistent with the large emissive response due to the interacting ZnO NPs with the heteroleptic Cu(I) complex. These results appear as outstanding to the future performance hybrid material using nanomaterials to enhance the luminescence of non-expensive metal for optical applications.

Seaweed is an inexhaustible source of chemical compounds of varied biological activity, characterized by the synthesis of various secondary metabolites that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antidiabetic activity. This study focused on the species Plocamium cartilagineum in search of a potential inhibitor of the enzyme α-D-glucosidase associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In recent years, bioautographic assays in TLC have become an effective tool to identify the presence of a possible enzyme inhibitor in a short time. The extract of P. cartilagineum was evaluated against the enzyme α-D-glucosidase and 4 compounds were isolated that showed important inhibitory activity of the enzyme by TLC. Pure compounds were identified by employing IR, EIMS, NMR and compared with authentic samples. The CH2Cl2 extract of P. cartilagineum shows bioactive compounds, which were identified as: Mertensene; Violacene; 1S,2S,4R,5R)-1,2,4-trichloro-5-((E)-2-chlorovinil)-1,5-dimethyl cyclohexane and (1R,2S,4S,5S)-1,2,4-trichloro-5-((E)-2-chlorovinyl)-1,5-dimethylcyclohexane.